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There’s only one place everyone is talking about right now, and that’s the land of the rising sun!
International visitors to Japan reached a record high of 3.29 million in July, which is 10% higher than the same month of 2019.
What’s particularly impressive, however, is that more than a quarter of a million of these travelers were visitors from the US, which is a whopping number 60.1% increase in US visitorss compared to 2019.
But where do all those visitors go?
Tokyo
It should go without saying that Tokyo is by far the most popular destination in Japan at the moment.
The two airports, Narita and Haneda, can handle almost anything 50% of all international flights into the country.
Japan is my favorite destination in the world and the only place I will happily return to again and again.
Bustling streets, cultural alleys, rich history and modern innovation: there is a face of Tokyo for everyone.
Some of my highlights for popular things to do in Tokyo include shopping in Harajuku, visiting Senso-ji Temple, and enjoying the spectacular views from the top of Tokyo Tower.
Tickets for the Tokyo Tower are cheaper if you book them in advancewhich costs 2,800 yen ($20) to go to the top deck. You can get cheaper main deck tickets for 1,200 yen ($8.20), but the view from the top deck is much better!
If you’re in need of a sensory escape from Tokyo’s unforgiving neon jungle, I also recommend visiting the Imperial Palace Gardens.
A tranquil retreat in the heart of the city, the gardens offer seasonal flowers and original canals, walls and gateways. They are balanced, calm and beautiful!
Osaka
Osaka is very different from Tokyo, with a very different atmosphere.
It’s the second largest city after Tokyobut much more relaxed and with more focus on fun!
Japanese people travel to Osaka to enjoy themselves, and this is reflected in the city, which is best known for its nightlife and hearty street food.
Head straight to the Dotonbori area near Namba station if you’re looking for street food. This neon-lit space stimulates all your senses, but especially your taste buds.
If you want to try Osaka’s famous takoyaki (octopus balls) then this is the one best place to do it.
This is also the place where you can join every other tourist in Japan and have your photo taken with Osaka’s famous running man.
People often dismiss Osaka as all fun and meaningless, but that’s simply not true. You will also find fascinating history and culture here.
Visit the famous Osaka Castle or one of my favorite lesser-known Japanese temples.
The Tuyunoten Shrine is 1300 years old and tells the story of the Japanese Romeo and Juliet, the hero Tokubei and the heroin Ohatsu who commit double suicide to prove their true love.
There were very few tourists here, but it was a beautiful shrine and the only place I saw pink torii gates in Osaka.
Kyoto
If you want to embrace traditional Japanthen Kyoto is the best city to visit.
Kyoto has more than 2,000 temples and shrines spread across the city, and while some of these can be so crowded as to be uncomfortable, if you go off the beaten track you will find dozens of smaller but equally fascinating temples that are rarely visited. by tourists.
The Fushimi Inari Shrine is the most famous in Kyoto and a must-visit place, especially for first-time visitors to the city.
Here you will find the thousands of vermilion torii gates, which are a iconic symbol of the city.
My top tips for seeing this without the crowds are to arrive early and wear your walking shoes!
The gates wind their way up the mountain, and the further you walk, the thinner the crowd will be. By following both tips, we got parts of the gates all to ourselves.
Nagoya
Nagoya was heavily bombed during World War II, meaning that the vast majority of the city had to be rebuilt, making it a sleek and modern metropolis.
That doesn’t mean it’s completely devoid of history. Travelers can visit Nagoya Castle, a partially reconstructed royal house dating from 1612 and an incredibly impressive building.
You can go inside and find artifacts from the Edo era.
However, one of the best things to do in Nagoya is to visit the Toyota Commemorative Museum of Industry and Technology.
History meets technology here, and if you’re interested in Japan’s technological development, there’s no better place to be. Naturally, as the name suggests, the museum is dedicated to everything Toyota has to offer and the infamous Toyota ‘Partner Robot’ performs here daily.
If you want to visit the museum, I recommend that you reserve tickets in advance. You can buy this here. Entrance costs 1,000 yen ($6.90) per person.
Fukuoka
Fukuoka is located on the northern shore of Japan’s Kyushu Island and is considered the ‘gateway’ to Japan because it is the closest city to mainland Asia.
But that’s not why people choose to visit Fukuoka!
Fukuoka is a popular destination because it has something for everyone. Think of ancient temples, beautiful beaches and modern shopping centers.
For history and culture, visit the city’s Hakata district. Here you will find Tōchō-ji Temple, home to a 10-meter-high wooden Buddha and considered the cultural heart of the city. Admission is free.
In the same area you will also find the Hakata Machiya Folk Museum. The museum consists of three buildings: the Exhibition Building, the Machiya Building and the Souvenir Shop. They are all worth a visit!
As an added bonus, entrance fees only 200 yen ($1.38) per person.
Sapporo
Sapporo is located on the island of Hokkaido, a mountainous island in the north of the country. It’s a beautiful combination of urban excitement and calm, natural beauty.
Many people visit Sapporo for its mountains, especially in the winter months skiing is extremely popular. The 1972 Winter Olympics were held in Sapporo, and many of the jumps and hills created for the event are still standing.
Visiting Sapporo in winter is still on my bucket list, to visit the famous Sapporo Snow Festival and see the incredibly large snow sculptures.
But if you’re more of a city lover, don’t worry: you’ll also find all the attractions you’d expect from Japan’s larger cities here.
Highlights of exploring Sapporo include the Sapporo Beer Museum, Odori Park, and viewing the city from the JR Tower Observation Deck.
As an added bonus, Sapporo is a wonderfully walkable city. You can explore the main tourist attractions without having to take public transport.
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
The opinions expressed here are solely those of the author, and not those of any bank, credit card issuer, hotel, airline or other entity. This content has not been reviewed, approved, or otherwise endorsed by any of the entities included in the post.
